Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Discospondylitis in an adult horse.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Hillyer, M H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A thoroughbred racehorse was diagnosed with discospondylitis, which is an infection in the spine likely caused by bacteria. The horse showed some unclear signs, mainly trouble moving its neck and front legs. Tests revealed a general inflammatory response, and imaging studies pinpointed the problem in two of the horse's back bones. After a long treatment with antibiotics, the horse fully recovered and was able to return to racing.
Abstract
Discospondylitis, of presumed bacterial origin, was diagnosed in an adult thoroughbred racehorse. The clinical signs were vague and associated with abnormal mobility of the neck and forelimbs. Clinical pathology showed only a non-specific inflammatory response. A scintigraphic examination revealed the site of the lesion and the diagnosis was confirmed by the identification of radiographic changes affecting two thoracic vertebrae. A prolonged course of antimicrobial agents produced a complete recovery and the horse returned to full athletic use.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8953693/